Stop Light Observations Is A Hit Of Psychedelia
Stop Light Observations (SLO) are 70’s rock through and through. When you see them, they look like they stepped off a classic Rolling Stone Cover. They have long hair, skinny jeans, flappy shirts, and a closeness to their music that makes them look like they, themselves, are taking the musical journey being given to the audience. Yet, they have managed to blend a classic feel with a very modern/Millennial vibe through their use of psychedelic sounds.
To give you a sign that they are readying to take you on a Rock N’ Roll trip, they have scenes from The Wizard of Oz playing in the backdrop. As you see images of Dorothy and the Munchkins prancing around, their music revives the otherworldly sentiments that classic rockers like, Lynryd Skynyrd, Creedence Clearwater, or Deep Purple, gave in the highest points of their career. It is that combination of grassroots/blue grass with mystical rhythms that make you feel like you want to blissfully ride an A-trak through Mars and mud. It is almost natural that they would give you such a 70’s, magical experience as they hail from South Carolina, and describe their form of rock as transformational, which it is.
What allows SLO to bring the classics into present day is their free-spirited energy. Lead vocalist, Will Blackburn, looks as if he is in love with every song he sings. He closes his eyes and pierces souls with high notes and a fantastic vocal range that could help him compete with some of the best pop divas. As he gyrates to the synth-rock instrumentals, you think the music is literally entering him. Following suit in dynamic energy is Cubby, the band’s other vocalist and synth-pianist. Usually, no one looks to the keyboard to be the epicenter of the party, but Cubby’s innate charisma and friendliness makes him an unstoppable force/secret weapon for this band. He hilariously interacts with the audience and brings the house down with his quick quips and an ability to make even the most hardened person want to partake in the festivities. He advances the SLO’s transcendent vision/sound by taking up the role of Ringmaster through his one of a kind MC skills and genuine love for what he is doing. Louis Duffie (Bass), Coleman Sawyer (Guitar), and, Luke Withers (Drums) give a strong backing by assuring the beats never fail to be clear and full in their mission strike Rock spirits.
SLO’s 2016 Woodstock vibe is solidified by their crisp lyrics and presence. They are pure and to the point on human condition. If they have to curse, to encapsulate a feeling: they will! If they have to yodel and head-bang to push forward the power of a sentiment: they will! They do not hold any bar or inhibition when it comes to liberating the mind and spirit for an “all-out” performance.
Running Time: 1 hour and 30 minutes
Stop Light Observations performed for one night only on April 5, 2016 at Brooklyn Bowl. For more information on the band click HERE.
